Before accepting the position with Catholic Charities, Castillo worked as a program manager of Bienestar de La Familia at Multnomah County, where she spent more than 16 years.

“Linda comes to us with many years of experience in human services and a long and recognized history as an advocate for the Latino community,” said Doug Alles, director of social services for Catholic Charities. Alles says he's confident that Castillo will strengthen services and carry on the legacy of the late Gloria Wiggins, the longtime El Programa Hispano manager who died late last year.

Castillo is vice chair and board member at Latino Network. She earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Santa Clara University in 1982 and a master's degree in clinical psychology from the University of San Francisco in 1987. She takes on her new responsibilities April 23.